2009 Boys Track Coach of the Year: Craig Dunn

Quickly earning the reputation as one of the state’s most accomplished track and field programs, the 2009 Dana Hills boys track and field team sought to support that growing belief, while taking their achievements to higher and more distinctive places.

With an array of talented individuals, the job of leading the team to unchartered territory was placed in the hands of head coach Craig Dunn.

Under his steady and talented leadership, Dana Hills was the county’s top ranked team throughout the season enjoyed the greatest success in school history.

For his teams’ unparalleled accomplishments throughout the 2009 season, Dunn has earned the Register’s 2009 Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year, the second straight season he has won the award.

Dunn says that when the season started, repeating last season’s success was not necessarily the priority but became attainable once his athlete realized their abilities.

 “We came into the season with smaller goals, but as the kids progressed and showed who they were, we upped those goals,” he said. “The key was getting the kids to buy into the program and want more.”

Those bigger goals and buying into Dunn’s philosophies helped the Dolphins win the Orange County Championships for the second straight year, the first time ever the school had done so.
 After winning their second straight South Coast League title, Dunn and the Dolphins eyed an even bigger prize, the CIF-SS Division I title.

With 11 athletes competing, the Dolphins clinched the first Division I title in school and Capistrano Unified School district history by defeating favorite Rancho Verde 59-58. 

The winning margin coming in the final scoring event by senior pole vaulter Travis Stock, whose seventh place finish gained the two points needed for the Dolphins to claim the win.

Dunn acknowledged that his had plenty of help in guiding Dana Hills to a record season.

“I can’t help but give credit to not only the boys, but my assistant coaches who are passionate about what they do and put in the time and effort to help the kids perform at that level,” he said.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com